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Getting to Giethoorn from Amsterdam

Giethoorn lies in the northeastern Netherlands, about 120 km (75 miles) from Amsterdam, and is best known for its canals, footbridges, and car-free village centre. Most travellers visit Giethoorn as a day trip from Amsterdam, using a combination of train and bus, a guided tour, or a self-drive route. While public transport is reliable, it involves transfers, making tours the most convenient option. Travel times range from 2 to 2.5 hours each way, depending on your route and timing.

Where is Giethoorn located?

Address: Giethoorn, 8355 BW Giethoorn, Overijssel, Netherlands | Find on Maps

  • Distance from Amsterdam: ~120 km/~75 miles
  • Time taken from Amsterdam: ~1.5–2.5 hours one way
  • Access: Public transport via train + bus or by car

Recommended tour: From Amsterdam: Giethoorn Day Trip with Boat Tour

Amsterdam to Giethoorn: Time & distance

Canal view in Giethoorn, Amsterdam with traditional houses and lush greenery.

From Amsterdam: ~120 km/~75 mi

  • By train: ~2–2.45 hr (Amsterdam → Steenwijk → Bus 70 or 214)
  • By bus: ~2.5–3.5 hr (combined routes; no direct bus)
  • By car: ~1.5–2 hr (no stops)
  • By tour (round-trip): ~8–9 hr (including sightseeing)

Guided tours (Recommended)

Tourists examining a map during Mostar and Kravice Falls day tour.

Why take a day trip to Giethoorn?

  • No transport juggling: Tours remove the need to coordinate train-to-bus transfers at Steenwijk.
  • Time-efficient: Reach Giethoorn faster than public transport, especially during peak season.
  • Boat cruise included: Most tours bundle a canal cruise—Giethoorn’s main highlight.
  • Stress-free navigation: The village has no central transport hub; guides handle logistics.
  • Peak-season comfort: Avoid crowded buses and limited local connections in summer.

By train

The train to Giethoorn from Amsterdam is the most common DIY route, but it requires a bus transfer.

  • Route: Amsterdam Centraal → Steenwijk (Intercity train), then Bus 70 or 214 to Giethoorn
  • Duration: ~2–2.5 hours total
  • Frequency: Trains run 2–4 times per hour; Buses every ~30 minutes
  • Cost: ~€25–€30 one way (train + bus)

Last-mile note: Bus 70 and 214 drop you near the village entrance. From there, it’s a 5–10 minute walk to canal areas and boat rentals.

Pro tip: Buy your return train ticket in advance via the NS app to avoid queues on the way back.

  • Best for: Budget travellers, independent planners
  • Cons: Transfers, limited bus frequency in the evening

By bus

There is no direct Amsterdam to Giethoorn bus. All bus routes involve at least one transfer.

  • Route: Amsterdam → Lelystad Center (often via train) → Bus 214 to Scheerwolde, Smalleweg
  • Duration: ~2–3.5 hours total
  • Cost: ~€20–€30 one way
  • Frequency: Bus 214 runs roughly every 30 minutes

While cheaper in theory, bus-heavy routes are slower and less reliable, especially on weekends.

  • Best for: Budget travellers with flexible schedules
  • Cons: Longer travel time, multiple connections

By car/self-drive

Driving is one of the fastest ways to get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam, especially for small groups.

  • Route: A6 → N352 → local roads toward Steenwijk/Giethoorn
  • Duration: ~1.45–2 hours
  • Parking: Available at designated lots outside the village centre
  • Costs: Fuel + parking fees

Cars are not allowed in the old village, so you’ll park and explore on foot or by boat.

  • Best for: Families, groups, flexible itineraries
  • Cons: Parking costs, weekend traffic in summer

Compare your options

ModeDurationCostBest forNotes

Guided tour

8–9 hr

€70–€120

First-timers

Transport + cruise included

Train + bus

2–2.5 hr

€25–€30

Budget travel

Transfer at Steenwijk

Bus

2–3.5 hr

€20–€30

Lowest cost

Slower, multiple changes

Car

1.45–2 hr

€30+

Groups

Park outside the village

Getting around Giethoorn

  • Walking: The village centre is compact and scenic, ideal for strolling between canals and bridges.
  • Boat rentals: Whisper boats are the most popular way to explore Giethoorn independently.
  • Canal cruises: Guided cruises offer local insight and are ideal for first-time visitors.
  • Bikes: Available near the village entrance for exploring the surrounding countryside.
  • Cars: Not permitted inside the old village; parking is outside only.

Things to do in Giethoorn

Boating through Giethoorn canal with thatched houses and lush greenery, Giethoorn, Netherlands.
Boats on a canal in Giethoorn with traditional houses and lush gardens.
Canal view in Giethoorn, Amsterdam with traditional houses and a pedestrian bridge in winter.
Boat tour through Nature Reserve Weerribben-de Wieden, Overijssel, The Netherlands.
Group walking along a canal in Giethoorn village during a guided tour.
Elegant dining setup at Eureka 89 restaurant, Melbourne, with neatly arranged tables and glassware.
Traditional Dutch houses, gardens, and wooden bridge over canal in Giethoorn, Netherlands.
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Canal cruise

Taking a guided canal cruise offers a relaxing and scenic way to see Giethoorn’s waterways and historic homes while learning about the village’s local stories and history from a skipper.

Self-drive whisper boat

Renting a whisper boat lets you pilot your own quiet electric vessel through the canals, giving you complete freedom to explore narrow waterways and hidden corners at your own pace.

Village walk

Explore the surrounding countryside by bike on designated cycle paths that wind past farms, dikes, and lakes — a popular way to see more of the landscape beyond the village centre.

Canoeing & kayaking

For a more active water adventure, you can rent a canoe or kayak and paddle through quieter canals and lakes around Giethoorn, perfect for enjoying the peaceful rural scenery.

Museums & local history

Giethoorn’s museums, like Museum Giethoorn ’t Olde Maat Uus or other small local exhibits, showcase the village’s rich agricultural past and artisan traditions.

Restaurant & café stops

Pause at one of the canal-side restaurants or cafés to enjoy Dutch snacks and views of the water, making your visit both tasty and scenic.

Punter boats/Pole punting

Try the traditional local method of pole punting, using a long pole to push through shallow canals, for a heritage experience that reflects how residents once moved around.

Suggested itinerary for Giethoorn

Giethoorn canal with small electric boat and tourists exploring the scenic village on a day tour.

Morning

Leave Amsterdam around 7:30am–8am. Arrive in Giethoorn by late morning and start with a guided canal cruise.

Midday

Have lunch at a waterside café in the village centre, then walk through the footbridges and lanes.

Afternoon

Rent a whisper boat or bike to explore quieter canals and nearby nature areas before heading back.

Choose a guided tour to avoid transfers and include commentary during the journey.

Handy tips

  • Best time: Arrive before 11am to enjoy calmer canals.
  • Booking hack: Tours sell out fast in summer—book 3–5 days ahead.
  • Seasonal note: July–August and weekends are busiest.
  • Transport tip: Public transport back to Amsterdam is limited in late evenings.
  • Local insight: Spring and early autumn offer the best balance of weather and crowds.

Frequently asked questions about getting to Giethoorn from Amsterdam

What’s the cheapest way to get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam?

The cheapest way to get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam is by taking a train to Steenwijk, followed by Bus 70 or Bus 214, which together offer the most affordable DIY route using public transport.

What’s the fastest way to reach Giethoorn from Amsterdam?

Driving is the fastest way to reach Giethoorn from Amsterdam, with a typical journey time of about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Is a guided tour worth it?

A guided tour is worth it if you want a stress-free day trip, as it includes round-trip transport from Amsterdam and usually a canal cruise, eliminating transfers and local planning.

Do I need to book train tickets in advance?

Booking train tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is recommended on weekends and during peak summer months to secure seats and avoid queues at busy stations.

How busy does Giethoorn get, and when should I visit to avoid crowds?

Giethoorn is busiest mid-day in summer and on weekends. Locals recommend arriving early morning (before ~11am) or later in the afternoon, and visiting on weekdays if possible for a calmer experience.

Do I need to pre-book boat rentals or canal cruises?

Yes, boat rentals (especially whisper boats) and popular canal cruises can sell out quickly in peak months (April–September). Booking in advance online is strongly advised to secure your preferred time slot.

Can I visit Giethoorn without renting a boat?

Yes, many visitors enjoy walking along the Binnenpad and footbridges, stopping at cafés and taking photos. Having a boat enhances the experience, but it is not mandatory.

Are there cycling routes that start from Giethoorn?

Absolutely. Local bike rentals allow you to explore scenic routes outside the village (e.g., looping around lakes and through pastoral countryside) beyond the canals.

Is Giethoorn wheelchair-friendly?

Limited. While parts of the village centre and canal paths are on flat ground, wooden bridges and narrow walkways can be difficult for wheelchairs. Arranging a local guide or accessible boat can help, but check in advance. Giethoorn’s central canals are primarily designed for boats and pedestrians.

Can I combine a visit to Giethoorn with other Dutch day trips from Amsterdam?

Yes, many guided tours combine Giethoorn with nearby highlights like Zaanse Schans windmills or Volendam in one day, saving travel logistics and transport hassles. Tours like these are more efficient given the public transport transfers required.

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